Detroit Lions tight end Joe Fauria sprained his ankle after chasing his puppy, Lil' Rufio, around his apartment -- read the NFL player's full story and see adorable pictures of the Pomsky!George Gojkovich/Getty Images

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Pomsky problems! NFL player Joe Fauria sprained his left ankle, but his injury was not the result of playing football. The Detroit Lions tight end was sidelined Sunday, Sept. 28, when his team played the New York Jets because Fauria hurt himself while chasing after his puppy, Lil' Rufio, at home last week.

The Lions' official team handle tweeted the news this past weekend with an adorable message.

Fauria further explained the incident to ESPN on Monday, Sept. 29. The athlete said he was chasing the 3-month-old Pomeranian/Husky mix inside his apartment when he fell on his foot. "He was about to pee and I was like, 'Come here you little … nugget,'" Fauria told reporters inside the locker room. "And I was chasing him downstairs. I wasn't running but I was chasing him downstairs and I just misstepped and I reached with my left foot and I just didn't end up well."

PETA also sent Fauria a letter (obtained by ESPN) in which the animal rights organization planned to send him a guide "for gently and kindly teaching puppies to do their business outdoors."

As for Lil' Rufio? The little Pomsky has become an Internet sensation since this weekend, acquiring thousands of followers on his very own Instagram account. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, an update from Rufio read: "My popularity was inevitable. Just wished it wasn't because I peed in the house."